Sir Raymond "Ray" John Avery, GNZM (born c.1947) is a New Zealand scientist who won New Zealander of the Year award for his invention of technology to produce low cost intraocular lenses.[1]
Avery, an inventor and social entrepreneur from Mount Eden in Auckland, established Medicine Mondiale as an independent development agency and charity in 2003. It creates low-cost sustainable solutions that combat global poverty and health issues for the most vulnerable and neglected societies.
After meeting Fred Hollows, Ray Avery supervised the construction of IOL laboratories in Eritrea and Nepal for The Fred Hollows Foundation, and designed manufacturing processes for intraocular lenses (IOLs). The Fred Hollows Foundation laboratories now provide 13% of the world market for intraocular lenses and use technology invented and gifted by Avery.
Some of Avery’s inventions include the Acuset IV Flow controller helping with the safe administration of potent IV drugs, the Liferaft Incubator which uses innovative technology to reduce mortality of premature babies associated with bacterial infections and a nutritional product from waste by-products of meat and kiwifruit industries to assist children suffering from diarrheal diseases.
After spending his childhood in English orphanages and foster homes, Ray developed his interest in science at the age of 14 while living rough in London and finding warmth in public libraries. He now mentors young people, speaking regularly at schools and universities.
Avery spent 30 years in the New Zealand pharmaceutical industry. A founding member of the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Auckland, he was later Technical Director of Douglas Pharmaceuticals, where he not only reduced the cost of medicines but also help develop the New Zealand drug export industry. Avery is Chair of the World Class New Zealand Steering Committee and a member of KEA (Kiwi Expat Association).[2]
In 2010, Avery won the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Medal.[3]